Both foreign and domestic tourists have stayed away from Swedish cities this summer.
This has resulted in hotels losing over 61 percent of their revenue compared to last year, according to new statistics from the industry organization Visita.
– Many life's work and jobs are at stake, says Visita CEO Jonas Siljhammar.
Most people were prepared for the fact that it would be a tough summer for the tourism industry. But the fact that the hotel industry would lose as much as 61 percent of its revenue compared to June-August last year still came as a hard blow.
– It is the big cities that are pulling down the national figure. They have definitely been the most affected throughout this pandemic, says Jonas Siljhammar.
Survived thanks to the restaurant guests
The worst has been in Stockholm. Hotels there have lost 81 percent of their revenue compared to last year. In Gothenburg, it has fallen 71 percent and in Malmö 63 percent, according to Visita's compilation.
– It is a combination of the absence of foreign tourists, closed tourist attractions and people wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of big cities that has contributed to this, says Jonas Siljhammar.
At Waxholms Hotel in the Stockholm archipelago, most of the rooms have been empty for much of the summer. By investing in the restaurant and bar operations, they have still managed to stay afloat.
– I made the choice before the summer that all 65 employees would work full-time. It has worked because we have had many local guests and sold more food and drinks, says owner Therese Liljeqvist.
”From total despair to hope”
But autumn is approaching with a cloud of worry. The larger conferences that had been planned at Waxholm's hotel in the coming months have been cancelled one by one. Instead of overnight groups of 40 people, smaller lunch meetings with up to 15 guests are being booked.
– I am absolutely worried. If there is a major spread of infection again and there are new directives, I do not have the financial resources to handle this.
Last Friday, it was announced that the adjustment support for companies affected by the corona crisis will be extended to also apply to the months of May, June and July. Both Therese Liljeqvist and Jonas Siljhammar welcome the announcement but point out that it is only part of the solution.
– Total despair has turned to hope, but much will be determined by what the restrictions look like this autumn. The adjustment support would need to be adjusted so that summer-dependent businesses, which in many cases have lost all of their income for the year, can receive help with their expenses throughout the year, says Jonas Siljhammar.
Source: svt.se
